Mastering milk - scientific and social debates on hygienic milk production in the Netherlands (1918-1928)

Abstract

This thesis aims to give an overview of the meaning of milk in Dutch society of the 1920s, by focussing on the social controversy on hygienic milk production between several groups in society (scientists like physicians, veterinarians, and chemists; farmers; milk dealers and consumers). This debate arose as a result of attempts to put milk under national government control after the passing of the Warenwet (an act to regulate food and wares supervision) in 1919. A milk decree was passed in 1925, and a 'model milk decree' was debated on during the second half of the 1920s. The combination of public health concerns, social concerns and claims for scientific or 'practical' authority resulted in fierce debates.